Is There Asbestos In Vermiculite Insulation

Vermiculite insulation has a pebble like appearance and typically is a grayish brown or silvery gold color.

Is there asbestos in vermiculite insulation.

Concerns about asbestos contaminated vermiculite insulation a mine near libby montana was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the united states from 1919 to 1990. If there s gray brown pebbly insulation on the attic floor it most likely contains enough asbestos to be a hazard to the people living there. What made the libby vermiculite so dangerous was its proximity to asbestos deposits. Extracted from the mine between 1920 and 1990 this vermiculite insulation was sold mainly but not exclusively under the trademark zonolite attic insulation.

However some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres which can cause problems if inhaled. Vermiculite attic insulation is a pebble like pour in product and is usually light brown gray or gold in color. Asbestos fibers can cause respiratory system and lung diseases including cancer. New tools for home inspectors in 2018 the united states geological survey usgs announced the development of a new tool for home inspectors hoping to identify dangerous vermiculite.

It was mined there for more than 50 years ending in 1990. There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine so the vermiculite from libby was contaminated with asbestos. Where does the asbestos come from and why is it a health concern. As long as the asbestos is not released into the air it is not harmful.

Vermiculite loose fill insulation is one of the most common household materials that contains asbestos. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. You can be exposed to asbestos by disturbing building insulation or other products with asbestos containing vermiculite. If it is not being disturbed there is very little exposure and very little danger.

Vermiculite ores often contain a range of other minerals including in some cases asbestos. How do i know if there is vermiculite insulation in my home. Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. Vermiculite insulation product from the libby mine in montana is known to contain high levels of amphibolic asbestos.

The insulation which was known by the brand name zonolite is most often found in residential attics. Other common uses are as thermal and sound insulation construction material insulation material and for lightweight absorbent packaging material. It is made from a natural mineral material that is mined from the earth. Once vermiculite is disturbed millions of asbestos fibers become airborne.

As long as this kind of vermiculite based insulation remains undisturbed behind intact walls or in attic spaces and does not become airborne it should not be a concern. The vermiculite from libby is part of the longest man made environmental disaster in american history.